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- What were your big takeaways from your workshop or project?
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Upper School Curriculum
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ACTFL Conference
ACTFL Conference 11/2025 Language Learning vs. Acquisition
Professional Development Reflection: Applying Krashen’s Theory of Language Acquisition
In the first session I attended, the presenter reviewed Krashen’s theories of acquisition, which I will summarize here: Language acquisition happens unconsciously when learners focus on meaningful messages. In contrast, language learning is a conscious, rule-based process that often leads to short-term memorization. Because only acquired language leads to true fluency, effective instruction prioritizes comprehensible input over heavy grammar practice.
This distinction came to life during several conference presentations I attended that focused on Krashen’s theories. In one session, I participated in a Russian lesson that was entirely built around comprehensible input and TPRS strategies. I felt nervous at first when the presenter explained that we would be acting as students—I thought, “I don’t speak any Russian; this is going to be difficult.” But that was precisely her point. She intentionally chose a language none…
ACTFL Conference
I attended the ACTFL conference in New Orleans from October 21–23 this year, along with three colleagues from the World Language Department. Over the three days, I participated in several workshops covering topics such as Chinese language teaching, strategies for supporting students with ADHD, world language pedagogies and activities in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, as well as cultural project design.
I especially benefited from two sessions. One was led by Chinese teacher Ying Jin, who shared insights on fostering identity, pride, and growth in the Chinese classroom. The other was presented by a Spanish teacher who introduced engaging activities for teaching world languages as a second language, such as “talk around a word,” “talking beans,” and “mystery bags.”
I also attended a workshop on using AI to create monologues about cultural figures—such as monsters or heroes from the legends of the culture—an activity that students typically enjoy. In addition,…
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Leadership for Math Specialists
As a relatively new US math specialist, I wanted to learn more about math specialist responsibilities. I found UW Stout’s “Leadership for Math Specialists” 8-week online course and thought it would be a good fit. I was particularly interested in learning more about how to best leverage my role to improve our students’ understanding of math. When I first began the course, I wondered what math specialists at other schools did and what roles they played in supporting math education. I quickly learned that this position is unique at each school based on the needs of their community.
Each week, we focused on a different topic. Here are a few takeaways.
Transformative shifts in classroom practice and how they connect to the Mathematical Practices: Small changes allow us to move towards a classroom environment where students reason, share their thinking, compare strategies, select efficient strategies, use multiple representations and are…
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American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language (ACTFL); 21-23 November 2025
This year I attended the ACTFL conference in New Orleans with the other members of my department. I am grateful for this opportunity for I enjoy learning about different teaching strategies and practices and exploring new technological resources and texts. I am in my 19th year at Burkes and am one of the two Spanish teachers in the Upper School. Initially, the conference can be overwhelming in its many offerings to attendees yet all that is required is a mindful review of the sessions and presentations that best serve my needs and interests. Of the sessions that I attended, several were very informative and useful for my own curricula. In the year after my administrative evaluation, it is my goal to attend more PD and to participate in valuable exploration and discussion with other colleagues. My goal, going forward, is to participate in at least one PD endeavor in an academic year. This could involve some significant travel as well as visiting another school in the Bay Area. My big take aways of this experience landed on two points: one is to flex my creative muscles and write/submit proposals for future conferences and the other is to revamp/freshen up my interdisciplinary sections (in particular the teaching of music and Spanish and women's contributions in my creative projects). Several of the sessions I attended provided me with fresh and imaginative ideas in
these areas. In the past, I was very involved in working collaboratively with other teachers, both at Burkes and from other schools, in leading workshops and sharing best teaching practices. I would like to resume this activity.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to attend this year's ACTFL and I am appreciative of Burke's mission to support the faculty in their professional growth.
AFS
3 December 2025